Best products from r/Metalcore

This is a fantastic write up!

On the ear plugs thing I wish I had worn earplugs from the beginning cause the hearing in my right ear is pretty fucked with tinnitus so now I use these and they work great! They lower the volume without ruining sound quality.

The standing point is really good as well but I’ve been to some pretty small venues where it doesn’t hold up as well, one of my favorite venues is a place called sound bar in downtown Orlando but the entire floor turns into a pit there’s nowhere you can stand except out at the bar where you can’t see the stage that you aren’t either in the pit or getting hit by people in the pit. It’s a ton of fun but maybe a little too intense for a first timer. A few of my favorite moments have happened at this place though, somehow someone got a hold of a floor fan and was moshing with it not hurting anyone but just holding it up in the air and moshing it was hilarious(I’ll try and find a picture) then the singer of one of the opening bands stage dove later in the show and surfed all the way from one end of the place to the front door.

Going alone to concerts is one of my favorite things to do I can go where I want and not have to worry about finding them at the end, a lot of times there are bands I want to see the are under the headliner but I’m not actually interested in the headliner and if I go by myself I can enjoy the bands I want to see and leave when I want.

Honestly, you're better off asking /r/headphones. I'm definitely not an expert on this topic, but I'll help however I can.

Let's start by referring to the frequency response chart for the M50x (top left corner). The "in-your-face" range for male vocals to cut through the mix occurs around 5 kHz, which are at -25 dB. No wonder vocals sound overpowered. For comparison, here is the same chart for another closed back, over ear headphone, the Oppo PM-3. Like most headphones of this type, they also have a decline from 2 kHz to 5 kHz, but they're only at -15 dB around 5 kHz. As a result, vocals cut through much better. I own these headphones and I think they still sound like the vocalist is standing a couple inches too far away from the mic. If I'm using an EQ, I add a +3 dB boost to get them to where I like. Hopefully that helps contextualize just how bad I personally think the M50x is for guitar based music with vocals.

As far as recommendations go, it really depends on your budget and sound signature preference besides allowing vocals to cut through the guitars. I'm assuming you'll want another closed back headphone and to stay somewhat close to the price range of the M50x. At $400, the PM-3 is a bit pricey and a bit too boring for metalcore. You might like the Fostex T40RP for $140, but they're pretty hard to drive with just your phone or computer, and the sub-bass drop off is noticeable if you A/B with another headphone. The NAD Viso HP50 retails for $250 and has gotten pretty good reviews, as did the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 which usually goes for $180-200 on Amazon. I have not listened to either of these headphones myself, as I tend to gravitate toward open headphones, but based on my research I would start with those. I highly recommend checking out /r/headphones' daily purchase advice thread to get thoughts from people who've actually tried these headphones or have other suggestions.

http://www.amazon.com/Aerial7-Tank-Headphones-Shade-Size/dp/B00568X4N6

I've used these for two years now and they are awesome! I know they are not in ear headphones but you should check them out. I recommend them to all my friends, and check out the reviews on amazon. As a bonus they have a microphone on them for taking phone calls. They also work great as my headphones for gaming. Just an all around good headphone in your price range. They are pretty comfortable as well, I wear them while running at the gym with no problems.

First, head over to /r/guitar and we'll gladly help you out. Second, what's your budget? There are multiple ways to skin this cat. Generally, your cheapest, most efficient option is gonna be to go digital. That means you'll need three things:

• An audio interface like a Scarlet Interface that will allow you to hook your guitar up to your computer. ~$120

• A computer ~$0 if you have a computer, or else expensive

• Amp modeling software like BiasFX or Amplitube ~$60 to $80

All in all, if you have a computer, a decent digital setup will cost around $200 and will essentially act like an AxeFx, digitally simulating an amp head, cabinet, and effects. It's cheap, sounds good, allow you to endlessly tweak your sound, and makes it easy to record. The downside is that it's gonna be difficult, if not impossible, to transport that setup to a live gig.

On the other hand, you could invest a bunch more money into a tube amp head/cab or a combo. This will allow you to gig much easier but you're stuck with the sound of that one amp; not a bad thing if you love that tone! If you wanna go this route, there are a bunch of great intro options for a decent metal sound: Anything in the 'Metal' line by Blackstar, a used Peavy 5150/6150, anything by Orange in the 'Terror' line, a used Mesa Rectifier.

To get that 'chonk' and 'sproingy-ness' that you hear in modern metalcore, you're probably gonna need to tighten the low end of your high gain amp with an overdrive like a Tubescreamer. Now you got a stew goin'. My recco's? Get on Reverb and grab a used Orange Dark Terror ($400), a 1x12 cabinet with a V30 in it ($200) and a used Tubescreamer ($50). Go with a bigger amp or cab if you have the money for it. 5150 is a classic.

If you want earbuds, I recommend the Edifier P185 https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-P185-Headphones-Earphones-Microphone/dp/B01C7XBGXW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543090794&sr=8-3&keywords=Edifier+P185

or the koss portapro https://www.amazon.com/Koss-Porta-Headphones-Black-Silver/dp/B00001P4ZH/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543090821&sr=1-3&keywords=koss+portapro

These things are really good in my opinion but don't block out too much sound if any. The KZ ZST https://www.amazon.com/ZST-Colorful-Banlance-Armature-Earphone/dp/B01N3U9SJG/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543090934&sr=1-3&keywords=kz+zst

is really good as well with good sound isolation, but might be a little too sharp in the sss sounds. Theses are some subjective recommendations, but I hope it helps. You could find some of these cheaper on aliexpress or on ebay if you don't mind loose packaging.

I've only used two.

[This is the pair I currently use and live by] (https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-ETY-Plugs-Fidelity-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0015WJQ7A/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=etymotic+ear+plugs&qid=1573085930&s=electronics&sr=1-4). They are super comfortable and they rarely ever slide out of my ears; they stay in place well.

[First pair I used were these] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076VVP6CX/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B076VVP6CX&pd_rd_w=qWzEq&pf_rd_p=c83c55b0-5d97-454a-a592-a891098a9709&pd_rd_wg=1Ar5B&pf_rd_r=Z1KYNK4VHNHZAJ3Z1XP0&pd_rd_r=d7e26c24-7da6-49eb-a5e2-baac6ad8b5b4&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUklCSkdPNFFNN0NPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTQwODEyMUhHNVFLQ0U3SEVGQiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjM4Mzk2MUxTMFc4TE9IU1o3USZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1). These ones always slide out of my ears, but when they did manage to stay, they did the job and worked perfectly; just a mild comfort issue for me personally. But I suppose these plugs are better for slightly larger ears as mine quite small-medium so they just kept sliding out.

You can't go wrong with either one of these:

• 1More E1001-SV1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones
  
  
• the Audiophile Elite
  
  I own both, they're fantastic and under $100. The latter option is amazingly good if you are on a budget. TBH I thought they were going to suck due to the price range, boy I was wrong. The construction is solid, they sound pretty good and I would dare to say, maybe on par with my ATH m40x if it wasn't for my sound card.
  
  The first one is still under $100 and is a moderate bump, superior than my ATH m40x and now my main ones . The sound is rich and crystal clear, less bass heavy yet moderate for the music we listen to.
  
  Edit Fixed product links.

I got these off Amazon http://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44R2 and I love them. Super comfortable and doesn't screw up the sound. Highly recommend them.

Definitely, for years I had the Etymotic pair I put below and had zero complaints about them. Recently I switched to the pair of Alpines I put below based off of a lot of positive recommendations and while the sound quality is definitely superior they are a bit hard to get in your ear. Your other option is to just buy the cheap one time use ones you can get in multipacks from CVS or any other drug store which might be a good place to start if you've never used them before. Hope this helps!

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Protection-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS/ref=sr_1_21_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1486072786&sr=8-21&keywords=ear%2Bplugs&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VO8PR0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Real quick I just want to recommend these earplugs as well.

https://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44R2?th=1

The ones I linked work better with bigger ears and the ones the other guy linked work better for smaller ears for most people. Hope this helps for your future concerts!

Quality earplugs definitely help. If you have $40 to drop I'd buy Earasers. I bought them about half a year ago and shows got much better. You can talk to people still if you need to, hear the show fine, and it helps the mix sound better.

These are the best I've ever used https://www.amazon.com/Eargasm-Musicians-Motorcycles-Sensitivity-Conditions/dp/B019M576XW/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=eargasm&qid=1574179452&sr=8-4


Far more comfortable and better than the Hearos

Vater - my friend picked them out for me and I don't have the green holding cord. I stick the whole case in my pocket for shows, open it for security (never an issue), and rock them for the show. Probably not the BEST on the market, but my ears are protected and I can still enjoy the show.

Get an Audio Technica AT-LP60 + an amplifier + speakers + speaker wire. That's what I have and it cost me less than $180. Here's the Amazon links for everything I have:

Record player

Speakers

Pre-amp

Speaker wire

STAY AWAY FROM CROSLEYS OR ANYTHING WITH BUILT IN SPEAKERS. DO NOT BUY A RECORD PLAYER UNDER $80. IT'S WORTH IT TO SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY AND GET A SETUP THAT WILL SOUND NICE AND WON'T DESTROY YOUR RECORDS. Can't stress that enough.

I use these and they're perfect for me.

Comfortable for a long concert but I can still hear and such. You may want something heavier duty, but these are so good. The case helps as well.

Pro Tip: waiting in line early is rarely worth it in my opinion. The only time I would advise that is if it is crucial for you to get a spot on the barricade (the very front). Most of the time you can work your way from the back all the way to front, especially if you get to the show for the opening acts when the crowd is smaller and a lot of guests are still checking the merch tables. I always wait for doors to open before going in and will grab a bite and drink outside the venue while everyone else is waiting in line.

I actually went to the BMTH/UO/Toof tour you mentioned (in San Francisco)! I showed up after doors were already open and I walked right in, found a decent spot in near the back for Beartooth, worked my way up as close as a I could for UO, and as soon as they started and the pit opened, I was able to move up even closer for a great view.

Again, if it is really important for you to be AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE, then standing in line makes sense. Otherwise, though, I would say just skip it and find a local joint nearby to relax at before the show.

Also, these are the earplugs I use. They are comfy and beyond preventing hearing loss, they actaully make the concert sound better, in my opinion.

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Fidelity-Earplugs-ETY-Plugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS?th=1

I'll copy my reply to someone else's further down the thread:

I have a pair of these, not the same exact kind, but very similar. I can 100% vouch for them, there was still a lot of clarity in the sound while bringing it to a safe level. I almost preferred having them in than out. Though I have naturally sweaty ears, so I had to let my ears breath between sets.

I believe these are the ones I have.

For the long term, these are the earplugs I've used for years. They make the shows sound great, have a nice little carrying case so you don't lose them, and $13 is a steal for a lifetime of better hearing.

I've been wearing these to concerts for over a year now. Highly recommend, they allow you to actually hear the music haha.

I use DownBeats

They're comfortable and allow a safe amount of sound to come through. I started using them because the ringing in my ears for a few days after a show started driving me crazy, hasn't happened since. Plus I feel like I can hear the instruments and vocals even better, they drown out a lot of the speaker feedback and crowd noise.

Hearing protection is massive. I recommend these, been using them for a couple years now and they've never fallen out. Best way/most affordable way to protect your hearing, and still hear the music with clarity.

Was recommended these here and they have been working like a charm

Do yourself a favor and check them out then.

Moths and Rust

Sojourner

Telos

Also pre-order this because you're going to want to hear the whole thing haha

Seriously guys, get ear plugs. Nothing hardcore about not being able to hear when you're 30. I recommend these, you can't see them when they're in and they have a few different filters. They don't muffle the sound and they don't fall out. EDIT: I've had the ER20's before too. They do the job, but I don't find them as comfortable and start deteriorating after a year of constant use.

Any guitar shop will have filtered ear plugs, which do not diminish the sound quality only reduce the volume. You want something like this. They significantly improve the experience.

Both physical and digital are up for pre-order now! =D

Hard copy & bundles: http://forevermore.merchnow.com/

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/ForevermoreiTunes

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Integral-Forevermore/dp/B01E8FE3AK

I've heard good things about these

Highly recommend these!

I'm assuming you want the same style of headphone, not full size ones.

$70 1more dual drivers - these used to be cheaper...

$95 1more triple drivers

$350 FLC8s with red/black/gold filters

I have these ones with the thinner tips and I'm kinda afraid of getting knocked in the head and the earplugs getting lodged deep in my ear, is it actually possible that this could happen?

These

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A3Z44R2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

I used these ones and they worked well for me. No ear ringing after the show.